Born 1952 (Singapore). 2nd s. Alexander Lieven (prince etc, SH, 1919-88). Educated Downside School and Christ's College, Cambridge. Graduated 1973 BA honours, history tripos (double first with distinction, first in the class of 1973 in Cambridge University). PhD School of Slavonic Studies 1975-8 (supervisor: Hugh Seton-Watson). Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, Professor at LSE (1978-2011). Head of Government Department (2001-4), Head of International History Department (2009-2011), Member of LSE Council (2004-9). Visiting Professor, Tokyo University, 1992-4. Visiting Professor, Harvard University, 1993.

Kennedy Scholar (Harvard U), 1973-4. FCO, 1974-5. Humboldt Fellow (Munich University/Max Plank, Gottingen), 1984-5. Fair Foundation Fellow (Japan) 1992. British Academy, Nuffield Fellow 1998-9. Leverhulme Major Research Fellow, 2004-7. Order of Friendship (Russia), 2014.

Fellow of the British Academy from 2001 (elected to Modern History and co-opted into Politics/International Relations Sections). Senior Research Fellow, Trinity College Cambridge (2011-2019). Honorary Fellow, Trinity College, Cambridge from 2019.

Currently completing a book on emperors in Eurasian history from ancient Near East and China until 20th century.

Other titles: Chair of The Paulsen Programme at LSE